Two dead, one missing after multiple water incidents across New Zealand

Two people have died, and another swimmer remains missing following a series of water-related incidents across Banks Peninsula, Tauranga and Hamilton on Saturday.

According to a report by Stuff, the first incident occurred in Akaroa, where a person was pulled from the water by the Harbourmaster near Drummond Wharf at about 1.15 pm. Police said CPR was immediately administered, but the person could not be revived. The wharf was cordoned off as emergency services attended the scene.

Later in the afternoon, at around 2.55 pm, emergency crews were called to Poripori Rd in Lower Kaimai after another person was pulled from the water. Despite CPR being performed, the person died at the scene. Authorities said it was unclear whether the incident occurred in a river or on private property. Both deaths will be referred to the coroner, Stuff has reported.

Meanwhile, a search is underway in Hamilton after a swimmer got into difficulty in the Waikato River at about 3.30 pm and was swept downstream.

“They have not been located since,” police said. “Emergency services remain on scene carrying out a search of the area, and enquiries are ongoing,” Stuff has quoted.